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Topic: I thought I'd got rid of them (Read 321 times) |
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mitChell
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I thought I'd got rid of them
« on: Sep 10th, 2004, 5:16pm » |
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Hello people - im new here, I live in England, I took the quick test, and it seems I fit the bill OK, I first got these headaches about 7 years ago, I went to see my local GP and he diagnosed them as cluster headaches - but as he didnt give me any other info, I thought that he meant that I suffer from headaches that come in clusters . (a series of headaches that come and go) He perscibed me with some strong decongestants, which did the trick for a couple of weeks, gave me a lightheaded feeling after the pain left, but soon lost their power - anyway time went by, headaches would come, I'd take these pills, but the pain would last longer. I went through this process for about 6/8 months (CH's lasting 1 or 2 hours now) so i decided to give up the decongestants - this was hard to start with. Taking nothing, 'and riding it out' - felt like forever, but I think it somehow helped. Anyway eventually the CH's got less and less until they dissapeared completely. That must have been 1999/2000 and for four years I was free from it, not even a twinge, totally free. Then a couple of weeks ago it returned out of nowhere, started off 10/15 mins. Now its more like 30/45 mins and getting stronger. The pain is the same now as it was then : intense throbbing/stabbing pain behind my left eye, a constant hot pain that makes me want to scoop my eyeball out with a spoon. When it starts I find I get a couple of minutes warning until it builds up to full power, (and the same on the way down) I even thought I was thinking myself into these headaches - Until I found this website. Ive been racking my brains as to why they have come back, no change in diet, lifestyle, etc . At the moment I feel totally fine, but fear the 'warning signs'of the next attack which could be at any time. I know that there are sufferers here that experience a lot stronger CH's than I do, but i just wanted to 'share this' with people that understand just how strong these things are. Most people I know say "Its just a headache, get over it" If only they knew
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Superpain
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #1 on: Sep 10th, 2004, 6:50pm » |
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Welcome! I think all of us at one time or another have thought that the headaches were over. Unfortunately we were almost all very wrong. I'm out of cycle right now and I don't worry about it, but I KNOW that they will come back. Fortunately this is a great place to learn how to get help and what works for relief. Read up!
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Chris
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Jonny
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #2 on: Sep 10th, 2004, 7:07pm » |
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on Sep 10th, 2004, 6:50pm, Superpain wrote: I think all of us at one time or another have thought that the headaches were over. |
| Not all .........but good info, Chris .......................................jonny
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Little Deb
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #3 on: Sep 10th, 2004, 7:30pm » |
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Welcome. I have thought they were gone forever a few times too. But no. And since I have found this site, I now know why. Hang in there. Check out the OUCH site too. Someone is always here if you need help. Little Deb
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ArCane
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #4 on: Sep 10th, 2004, 8:42pm » |
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Welcome mitChell. Sorry to hear the beast is back. He's a sneaky bastard and likes to hit us when we aren't looking. You are right, most people don't understand the pain. Its hard to show someone how much it hurts without killing them in the process.
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pubgirl
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #5 on: Sep 10th, 2004, 8:46pm » |
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I know they aren't over, but in between cycles I like to pretend they are, it keeps me sane W
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mitChell
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #6 on: Sep 11th, 2004, 5:51pm » |
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Thanks peeps - makes me feel a lot better, knowing I got people in my corner
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Arlene
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #7 on: Sep 12th, 2004, 12:21pm » |
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My Cluster Headaches stopped 5 years ago. I never thought that after all that time, they would return. Yesterday, I had one, and right now, it is again starting. In all these years, is there a GOOD way to treat them, that I am probably unaware of. This is kind of important, as I am a widow, and live alone, and it's already scaring me a lot. 5 years ago I was using oxygen, and various prescriptions that I don't remember the name of. Can anyone give me some information that will help me before I can get to a doctor? Thanks, Arlene
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JJA
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #8 on: Sep 13th, 2004, 3:41pm » |
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Arlene, You could try melatonin at bedtime. It seems to help about 1/2 of episodic CH sufferers. Most people use 9 mg (3 X 3mg pills, but the best dose ranges from 0.5 - 12 mg). You can get it over the counter at any drug store or walmart etc. in the US. There are plenty of posts on this site about it...read up. You could also start your own post over on the general board for many more answers. -Jesse
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TxBasslady
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Re: I thought I'd got rid of them
« Reply #9 on: Sep 14th, 2004, 2:40am » |
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The melatonin works very good for some of us who get the nightime hits. Excedrin Migraine helps for the shadows. Lots of meds out there that will help. I am in cycle now..and the melatonin and e.m. have worked quite well for me. I only get hit at night. Always hour and 1/2 or so after going to bed. I also sleep elevated. I have taken up residence on the sofa. This seems to work for alot of folks too. A recliner works well also. Hope you get some relief.......let us know how you're doing. PF vibes, Jean
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